Best Ways to Give Back in Our Community in September
As humans, we owe it to our fellow man and woman to recognize and act when and wherever help is needed. We say to start giving back where you live. Our community is the Emerald Coast, from Destin to Panama City, and north to Defuniak Springs. Though idyllic in many ways, our quiet corner of the universe needs our help. The Storyteller Agency has been lucky to help tell the stories of many fantastic nonprofits in our community, and here are some ways you can give back to these organizations and others this September.
From One Community to the Next
You've surely heard about the tragic repercussions of Hurricane Harvey in Texas, and how many Texas communities are suffering following widespread flooding. Many families are displaced and in need of basic necessities, and this is a good time for our own community to show support with donations of these kinds of goods. Our own Justin Gaffrey Gallery in Blue Mountain Beach will be driving a trailer of donated goods to Texas this weekend, and will be accepting donations through Friday, September 1. Check out their Facebook page for a list of needed items, and stop by to donate.
A Ladies ‘80s Night for a Good Cause
Clear your calendars for Thursday, September 7 because the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center’s 3rd Annual Wiggin’ Out for a Cause promises to be as fun as it is helpful to children in abusive situations. The event’s theme is 1980s rock n’ roll. Expect wine, food, wigs, karaoke, dancing, a silent auction, and more.
Give Artfully
On September 14, Food for Thought’s 5th & Final Art of Giving event will be held at Churchill Oaks from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Several artists will be featured at the event, and food will be provided by Cuvée Kitchen + Wine Bar.
Take Stake in & Eat a Steak for the Community
Meet and greet at the Boys & Girls Club 4th Annual Steak & Stake Dinner at the South Walton Club on September 21. Hear from Club members about what your support means to them and how the Club benefits their lives.
Rock it Like a Hurricane (for the Kids)
Children’s Volunteer Health Network is hosting its 13th annual Hurricane Party at Bud & Alley’s on September 22, and this is one of the most fun events of the year along the Emerald Coast. CVHN provides health care for the children of Walton and Okaloosa counties whose families do not have health insurance to cover the services.
Everyone Needs a Buddy Campaign video by The Storyteller Agency
Spend Time with a Furry Friend
Our friends at Alaqua Animal Refuge are always looking for volunteers, even if you only have a couple hours a week to give. Many of the animals who find their way to the refuge come from less fortunate backgrounds, many having spent years in abusive situation. Just spending some time with these animals, going for a walk or playing for a bit, can make a world of difference in their healing and make them all the more ready to find their forever home. Or if you're ready, fill out an adoption application and take home your new friend today.
Race to Give Back
Support the ONE Campaign for Autism at the Emerald Coast Autism Center’s 6th Annual ONE Run 5K on September 23. The pet and family-friendly race will take place on the Northwest Florida State College Campus in Niceville.
Chill for Children in Crisis
Gather at The Landing on September 24 to enjoy eclectic wine selections paired with local flavors to benefit Children in Crisis. The 2nd Annual Taste of Fort Walton Beach provides support for abused, neglected, and abandoned children in the community.
PSA Created for Boys and Girls Club by The Storyteller Agency
Do It for the Kids at The Landing
The Boys & Girls Club Day for Kids at The Landing in Fort Walton Beach on September 30 is a family-fun day that helps young people experience the richness of a positive, healthy childhood.
Do Something Fore Others
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, and here in our community, the 5th Annual Fore Her Golf Outing will be raising funds for local breast cancer patients in financial need. This annual golf outing event will be held this year on Sept 29th at Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club, and you can find out more on the group's Facebook page.
"The Lifecycle of a Food for Thought Backpack" by The Storyteller Agency
Don’t Miss an ‘Egg’cellent Cause
On September 30, the 4th Annual Bay Breeze Patio Eggs on the Beach Eggfest cooking competition benefits Food for Thought and The Fisher House of the Emerald Coast. The Seascape competition’s cook teams create bite-size portions of favored recipes. Savor the excitement while ensuring others don’t go hungry.
Run for a Fallen Hero
The Andrew Weathers Memorial Foundation was established in an effort to support Families of Fallen Special Forces Soldiers by providing trips to Arlington National Cemetery. We spent time with Andy's family in December in Arlington, and can attest to the power that lies in offering families the chance to visit the graves of their fallen loved ones. The AWMF is hosting a a 5K Run on the Beach on Saturday, September 30th, and registration is open. Register at RememberAndy.org.
AWMF Mission Video by The Storyteller Agency
Donate Resources
Lastly, any day in September is a great time to donate your time and other resources to a charity you believe in whether it’s providing medical services, reducing crime, feeding others, resolving domestic violence, or making a brighter tomorrow for the children. Visit your favorite local charity’s website and sign up to volunteer, to donate funds, or to see where you can drop off resources.
Make September a month of giving back. Explore opportunities in your community for giving back and make advocacy an essential part of your business. Not sure where to start? Contact us and let us help you make philanthropy part of your story. And if your nonprofit has an event coming up, please send us a message so we can be sure and include it on our calendar! info@storytelleragency.com
